Wade leaves Davidson Academy, becomes Ensworth assistant

After a successful six-year run, Paul Wade has resigned as Davidson Academy football coach to take a position at Ensworth High.

Wade, 41, will become an associate head coach under head coach and Ensworth athletic director Ricky Bowers.

“It was something Ricky and I discussed mutually when we talked recently, and it was a great opportunity for me and my family,’’ Wade said. “It wasn’t a situation where I was out beating the bushes looking for a new job. I’ve had a great time coaching at Davidson, it was very positive. This just seemed a great fit for me.”

Davidson was 53-17 and won three DII-A championships under Wade. The Bears won back-to-back titles in ‘05-06, then another in ’08. All six of his teams reached at least the state semifinals.

Prior to DA, he spent five years as a defensive coordinator and offensive line coach at CPA under head coach David Pack and was a part of two state champion teams (2000 and 02). Prior to that, he held the same positions for seven years under coach Dennis Goodwin at Donelson Christian, which won the 1996 state title.

“At Davidson, we had seven players who signed college scholarships, along with six Mr. Football finalists and two winners (Eric Davis, ’06 lineman and Blair Arrington ’08 lineman in DII-A),” Wade said. “I’m a football guy and an old O-Lineman, and I feel like I can be of help, at least in that area, wherever I am coaching.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Ricky and the wonderful staff they have over there.”

Ensworth has finished as a semifinalist and quarterfinalist, respectively, in the DII state playoffs the past two years after being ranked No. 1 most of both seasons.

Wade will have a lot to work with right off the bat. Much of the line is returning, including mammoth offensive tackle Antonio Richardson, one of the most highly recruited linemen in the Nashville area.